Hers is a story that can only be aptly described as “magical”.
With practically all the elements of the well-loved fiction – save the presence of the wicked stepmother and stepsisters – she was crowned at almost half past midnight (Egypt time) and had her Prince Charming in the audience incessantly cheering her on.
By no means is this parallel to that “life is stranger than fiction” line. Instead, the beautiful inspirations are all there;
1. Her name says it all – “Cinderella”.
2. Truth be told, she almost did not win the national crown if not for the wildcard opportunity that allowed her to shine on her own merits. The glass shoes really fit.
3. She has not one but two Fairy Godmothers. The first one is Madame Stella Marquez de Araneta of BPCI. And the second one is Atty Jeffrey Saclot (her direct boss at the Misamis Oriental Provincial Tourism Office) who made sure that her journey to Egypt was smooth and problem-free.
4. She has a team of friends who stayed with her all the way through. Call them a glam team or the footmen and coachman. But they supported all her needs from start to finish – Michael Villamor, Odelon Simpao and Maja Blanka.
5. She has her real-life Prince Charming – Henri Lopez – who stood by her, rallied everyone and claimed the crown as early as the day she won BbPilipinas.
This is such a wonderfully victorious journey for Cinderella Faye Obeñita whose success in pageantry is written in the stars. It does not happen to everyone. But then again, she has Lady Luck by her side and worked hard to achieve the win.
Mabuhay ka, Cindy!
Miss Intercontinental 2021 Cinderella Faye “Cindy” Obeñita as photographed by Raymond Saldaña
Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Christiana Jordi Ganados, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2019 Emma Tiglao, 1st Runner-Up Aya Abesamis and 2nd Runner-Up Samantha Bernardo joined Madame Stella Marquez de Araneta of BPCI in tonight’s Christmas Tree Lighting at Araneta City.
Here are official photos of Miss Universe Catriona Gray – along with BPCI Chair Madame Stella Marquez de Araneta – during their visit to Smile Train Philippines. The kids really enjoyed their time with our Queen.
Queen Cat also visited the office of 
Official photos from the Press Conference hosted by BPCI for Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray at the Novotel Manila Araneta Center where she took the opportunity to thank everyone who helped in her journey to the crown, especially Madame Stella Marquez de Araneta.
Photos from the Official Send-Off hosted by Bb. Pilipinas for Miss Intercontinental Philippines 2018 Karen J. Gallman as she soon embarks on her mission for the country in the 47th Miss Intercontinental Pageant happening right here in the Philippines from January 8-27, 2019.
I wanted so much to end 2018 with a big bang. If only clarity on the issue of whether the Miss Universe franchise remains with BPCI or crosses over to LCS has been settled in the last few days, then it would make for an explosive year-end blog entry. But then again, that would be asking for way too much confirmation during the uber busy Holiday Season.
Pageants fans and followers are divided on the matter. But I reckon that – if we play by percentages – there would be a lot more who are in favor of the franchise staying put with Bb. Pilipinas to maintain the prestige of the country’s biggest national pageant as well as to preserve its glorious place on top of the pedestal in full hierarchial view of the entire Philippines. Besides, the record of the leadership of Madame Stella Marquez de Araneta is something that other National Directors can only hope to achieve in their lifetime.
normannorman.com 